SUWA FIVE BREWERIES
IN NAGANO

In the water-rich surroundings of Lake Suwa is a row of five historic sake breweries. Embark on a special program of sake tasting. Compare the different varieties and discover your preferred Japanese Sake. Cheers!

Norikura Kogen, located in the south of the Northern Alps, is famous for its summer resort. In winter, it turns into a winter paradise, with various outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and seeing icefalls. Icefalls are created when plummeting temperatures make waterfalls freeze completely. They even have a cloudy-white hot spring for you to warm up in while enjoying the snowy scenery.

Travel Time: About 2 hours by train from Nagoya Station and about 1 hour by bus from JR Matsumoto Station.

OFFICIAL SITE
https://www.suwakanko.jp/en/sake/
DESTINATION
KAMISUWA ONSEN
IN NAGANO

Kamisuwa Onsen boasts one of Japan's top hot springs by volume and it is conveniently accessible. Located by the lakeside where you can enjoy views of Lake Suwa and the Japanese Alps, it's a perfect spot to soak in a natural hot spring footbath while chatting with family and friends.

Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure, with jet-black roof tiles that contrast beautifully with the white, snow-covered Northern Alps in the background. The castle's design and its series of keeps are also a must-see. The Ice Sculpture Festival is held every winter at Matsumoto Castle, another must-see. Dozens of ice sculptors gather from around Nagano Prefecture and Japan to present their elaborate ice sculptures outside. At night the sculptures are illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere.

Directions: Approx. 2 hours by train from Nagoya Station and 15 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station/ Take a tour bus from JR Matsumoto Station and get off at the "Matsumoto Jo, Shichosha Mae" stop.

OFFICIAL SITE
http://www.suwako-onsen.com/en/
DESTINATION
SENJOJIKI CIRQUE IN WINTER
IN NAGANO

The grand snowscape of the Central Japanese Alps' Senjojiki unfolds in its glory. Despite being at an elevation of 2,612 meters, it's easily accessible and enjoyable for everyone, thanks to the convenience of buses and ropeways, allowing visitors to effortlessly experience the world of pristine snow.

Matsumoto City is also home to many hot spring resorts! Asama Onsen is the closest hot spring to Matsumoto Castle with over 1000 years of history. At Utsukushiga-Hara Onsen, you can enjoy nature and take a stroll through the old town. Both hot springs are close to the center of Matsumoto city, so you can shop in Matsumoto before arriving at the hot springs, or you can take the bus out to Matsumoto in the evening and return to the inn for dinner. The area is quiet with many old buildings that create the perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls during the day.

Travel Time: About 2 hours by train from Nagoya Station, about 15-35 minutes by public transportation from JR Matsumoto Station to each hot spring resort.

OFFICIAL SITE
https://chuo-alps.com/lang/en/
DESTINATION

SUWA-NAKASENDO
-KOMAGANE

NAGANO

This area is home to the mysterious Lake Suwa, surrounded by the snow-covered Japanese Alps. The breathtaking snowscapes from the Senjojiki Cirque are a must-see.

The nearby Nakasendo Samurai Trail allows travelers to experience the authentic Japanese culture that has flourished along the trail and the historic streets of the post towns.

Map from Centrair to Suwa-nakasendo-komagane

SUWA FIVE BREWERIES

In the water-rich surroundings of Lake Suwa is a row of five historic sake breweries. Embark on a special program of sake tasting. Compare the different varieties and discover your preferred Japanese Sake. Cheers!

KAMISUWA ONSEN

Kamisuwa Onsen boasts one of Japan's top hot springs by volume and it is conveniently accessible. Located by the lakeside where you can enjoy views of Lake Suwa and the Japanese Alps, it's a perfect spot to soak in a natural hot spring footbath while chatting with family and friends.

SENJOJIKI CIRQUE IN WINTER

The grand snowscape of the Central Japanese Alps' Senjojiki unfolds in its glory. Despite being at an elevation of 2,612 meters, it's easily accessible and enjoyable for everyone, thanks to the convenience of buses and ropeways, allowing visitors to effortlessly experience the world of pristine snow.

DIRECTIONS

FROM CENTRAIR TO NAGOYA

CAR

About 45 minutes from Centrair. Centrair East IC-Handa-chuo JCT-Odaka IC-Sanno JCT-Shinsuzaki JCT-Nagoya.
TRAIN

About 28 minutes by Nagoya Railroad (μSKY) from Centrair to Meitetsu Nagoya Station.
BUS

About 60 minutes from Centrair to Nagoya city center (Sakae and Fushimi areas) by the Centrair Limousine service.

Google Map

FROM NAGOYA TO SUWA

CAR

About 2 hours on the Chuo Expressway to Suwa IC or Okaya IC from Nagoya (Komaki IC).
TRAIN

About 2 hours on the Chuo West Line to Shiojiri Station from Nagoya Station, and transfer to the Chuo East Line. From there, ride for about 15 minutes, then get off at Kamisuwa Station.

Google Map

FROM NAGOYA TO NARAI-JUKU

CAR

About 2 hours from Nagoya (Komaki) to Ina IC via the Chuo Expressway. From there, it's approximately 40 minutes on Route 361.
TRAIN

About 1 hour and 30 minutes on the Chuo Main Line Limited Express to Kiso-Fukushima Station and another 20 minutes to Narai Station.

Google Map

FROM NAGOYA TO KOMAGANE

CAR

About 2 hours from Nagoya (Komaki IC) to Komagane IC via the Chuo Expressway, and about 3 minutes from Komagane IC to Suganodai Bus Center via local roads.
TRAIN

About 4 hours in total from Nagoya Station. Start with the Chuo Main Line Limited Express to Shiojiri from Nagoya Station, switch to the local train on the same line to Okaya Station, and then transfer to the Iida Line for Komagane Station.
BUS

About 2 and a half hours from the Meitetsu Bus Center to the Komagane Bus Terminal.

Google Map